Intra-African trade continues to gain momentum under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), providing a welcome boost to the South African economy amid shifting global dynamics.

According to The Daily Dispatch, South Africa’s exports qualifying for AfCFTA preferential terms reached R820 million in 2025, contributing to broader continental trade growth and opening fresh avenues for domestic enterprises. This figure reflects an estimated 8 percent to 10 percent annual rise in relevant exports compared with total intra-African trade of $42.1 billion (approximately R692.2 billion) recorded in 2024.

The exported goods span a varied portfolio, including mining equipment such as drills and resource extraction machinery, household appliances like refrigerators and stoves, processed foods ranging from canned fruits to meats, textiles and clothing, packaging plastics, and electrical items including wires and generators. These products align closely with demand in expanding African markets where construction and manufacturing sectors are advancing rapidly.

Key destinations beyond traditional Southern African Customs Union partners include Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Rwanda, Cameroon, and Algeria.

Source: Business Explainer